Best Cheeses To Pair With Kielbasa For A Flavorful Bite

When it comes to the best cheese to pair with kielbasa, there are several options to consider. Kielbasa, a type of Polish sausage, is often used in dishes such as casseroles, grilled cheese sandwiches, and macaroni and cheese. For a classic grilled cheese, cheddar, Colby Jack, and Monterey Jack are popular choices. If you're looking for something more indulgent, a combination of white cheddar and Gruyere can add a sharp and creamy flavour to your dish. For a simple and comforting option, a grilled cheese with Monterey Jack, kielbasa, onions, and peppers is a tasty choice.

Monterey Jack cheese

When it comes to choosing the best cheese to pair with kielbasa, Monterey Jack cheese is an excellent option. Here's why:

When preparing a grilled cheese sandwich, it's important to get the right ratio of fillings to cheese. You don't want your sandwich to be overly stuffed. For a simple yet mouthwatering combination, try layering slices of kielbasa with sweet bell peppers and spicy red onions between rustic whole wheat bread, all smothered in melted Monterey Jack cheese.

If you're looking for a more substantial meal, consider making a kielbasa casserole. This comforting dish typically includes penne pasta, smoked Polish sausage or kielbasa, cream of mushroom soup, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese. However, you can easily substitute Swiss cheese with Monterey Jack to add a sharper flavour to the dish.

For a quick and easy meal, you can also create kielbasa sandwiches topped with sweet caramelised onions, bell peppers, and lots of melted Monterey Jack cheese. This combination is sure to satisfy your cravings for a hearty and flavourful meal.

When it comes to beverages, a good stone-ground mustard would pair well with the kielbasa and Monterey Jack cheese. The sharpness of the mustard will complement the nutty flavour of the cheese, enhancing the overall taste experience.

Cheddar, Colby Jack, and Monterrey Jack

When it comes to pairing kielbasa with cheese, there are several options that can enhance the flavour of this Polish sausage. Here is some information on three popular choices:

Cheddar

Cheddar is a natural companion to kielbasa, as its sharpness and tanginess cut through the richness of the sausage. The saltiness of cheddar also complements the savoury notes of the kielbasa. For a well-rounded dish, consider using a mature cheddar, which will have a more pronounced flavour.

Colby Jack

Colby Jack is a hybrid of Colby and Monterey Jack cheeses. It has a mild, buttery flavour and a semi-soft texture. This cheese is a good option for those who want a more subtle cheese flavour in their dish. A recipe that combines Colby Jack, kielbasa, and jalapeño makes for an excellent finger food option, with the heat of the jalapeño balanced by the creamy, mild cheese.

Monterey Jack

Monterey Jack is a semi-hard cheese with a mild, slightly sweet flavour. It is a versatile cheese that melts well, making it a good choice for grilled cheese sandwiches with kielbasa. Its sweetness can also complement the savoury notes of the sausage. For those who enjoy a spicier kick, Pepper Jack, a derivative of Monterey Jack flavoured with chilli peppers, bell peppers, and herbs, can be a tasty option.

Gruyere and Cheddar

Kielbasa is a type of Polish sausage, usually made from a mixture of pork, beef, or veal, and spices. It has a distinct garlicky and marjoram flavour. When it comes to choosing a cheese to pair with kielbasa, you want something that will complement the smokiness and spice of the sausage.

Cheddar is a popular choice for a cheese and sausage platter, as it is mild in flavour and widely enjoyed. It melts well and has a sharp, creamy taste that can help balance the richness of the kielbasa. White cheddar is often used in mac and cheese recipes, as it melts particularly well.

Gruyere is another excellent option, known for its sharp and creamy flavour. It blends well with cheddar, adding a touch of nuttiness to the dish. Together, these two cheeses create a lovely combination that enhances the flavour of the kielbasa.

When preparing a dish with kielbasa and cheese, such as a grilled cheese sandwich or a casserole, it's important to slice the cheese beforehand. This ensures that your guests can easily enjoy the flavours without having to work for their food.

In terms of specific recipes, you can try a kielbasa grilled cheese sandwich with sliced cheddar, or a more complex dish like a kielbasa and kidney bean casserole with a creamy Swiss cheese sauce. For a unique twist, try a mac and cheese recipe with Polish kielbasa, cheddar, and Gruyere. This combination of cheeses will create a silky smooth sauce that perfectly complements the smoky sausage.

Provolone, Swiss, Muenster, or White American cheese

Provolone, Swiss, Muenster, and White American cheese are all great choices to pair with kielbasa. Here's a more detailed look at each of these cheese options:

Provolone

Provolone is a versatile Italian cheese that can complement the garlicky, marjoram flavour of kielbasa. It has a mild taste and melts well, making it perfect for sandwiches or as a topping on kielbasa. Provolone can also be used to make a delicious cheese sauce to drizzle over kielbasa hoagies.

Swiss

Swiss cheese is another excellent option, known for its creamy and nutty flavour. It pairs well with kielbasa in omelettes, offering a delightful combination of savoury flavours. Swiss cheese melts beautifully, adding a creamy texture to your dish.

Muenster

Muenster cheese provides a mild and slightly tangy flavour, making it a great match for kielbasa. It melts smoothly and can be used to make a mouth-watering Muenster cheese sauce. This sauce, when paired with kielbasa, onions, and peppers, creates a delightful blend of flavours and textures.

White American

White American cheese is a popular choice for those seeking a creamy and mild flavour. It melts effortlessly, making it perfect for sandwiches or as a topping on kielbasa. You can also create a scrumptious cheese sauce by combining White American cheese with milk and butter, adding a decadent touch to your kielbasa dish.

Mac and Cheese

Ingredients:

• 250 g (8.8 oz) macaroni (or other short pasta shapes such as cavatappi, penne, or fusilli)
• 125 g (4.5 oz) kielbasa sausage, sliced into thin coins or half-moons
• 40 g (3 tablespoons) unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons plain flour
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
• 500 ml (2 cups) whole milk
• 200 g (7 oz) cheddar cheese, grated (low-fat or full-fat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Freshly grated cheese (optional)

Method:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• In a separate skillet, heat a small amount of vegetable oil and fry the sliced kielbasa until lightly browned. Set aside.
• In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and mustard powder (if using) until you have a smooth roux.
• Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes until it thickens.
• Turn off the heat and add a handful of grated cheddar, whisking until melted. Gradually add the rest of the cheese, whisking continuously until you have a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Stir in the cooked macaroni and kielbasa. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve immediately while hot, or sprinkle with extra grated cheese and bake in the oven for a crispy topping.

Tips:

• For an even creamier sauce, use full-fat cheese, which will melt more easily.
• Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere or Emmentaler, or a mix of shredded cheeses.
• If you prefer not to use butter, you can fry the kielbasa without oil to add extra flavour and crunchiness.
• To add some colour and extra flavour, you can include chopped onions, bell peppers, or other vegetables of your choice.
• For a healthier option, use low-fat cheese and milk.
• To make it a complete meal, serve with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables.

Frequently asked questions